Which Windows 7 to install? OEM or Retail?

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pushticat

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Hello.
I presently have Windows Vista 64-bit installed on my computer and wish to upgrade to Windows 7. I notice that there are two versions available, OEM or Retail. What is the difference between them. Further,I see that the Retail version comes with both 32-bit and 64-bit discs. Can these be used on seperate computers?
Thank you in anticipation

Alan
 

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Vista 64 bit
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Vista 64 bit
pushticat said:
Hello.
I presently have Windows Vista 64-bit installed on my computer and wish to upgrade to Windows 7. I notice that there are two versions available, OEM or Retail. What is the difference between them. Further,I see that the Retail version comes with both 32-bit and 64-bit discs. Can these be used on seperate computers?
Thank you in anticipation

Alan
Click to expand...
The retail and OEM versions are identical in operation. The OEM version has NO Microsoft support however, the OEM (you) are responsible for problems.
You will have one key in the retail version and only one architecture, 32 or 64 bit can be installed at one time. this give the user a choice.
 

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Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1Intel i5-2550K, Differing ~4.4-4.8GHz No buil...16GB G.Skill Sniper 1866MHz @ 2133MHz 2x8GBASUS GTX650TIB-DC2OC-2GD5, (650TI Boost)
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Home Built Desktop By DataTech
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Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1
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Intel i5-2550K, Differing ~4.4-4.8GHz No built in GPU
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ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3
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16GB G.Skill Sniper 1866MHz @ 2133MHz 2x8GB
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IE 10, Opera, Pale Moon if needed
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Also, the OEM version is tied to the computer you install it on. The retail version can be installed later on another computer, but only 1 at a time.
 

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pushticat said:
Hello.
I presently have Windows Vista 64-bit installed on my computer and wish to upgrade to Windows 7. I notice that there are two versions available, OEM or Retail. What is the difference between them. Further,I see that the Retail version comes with both 32-bit and 64-bit discs. Can these be used on seperate computers?
Thank you in anticipation

Alan
Click to expand...

Now You have Vista so I recommend retail upgrade version.
OEM is usually sold with new pc and is tied to that pc and has no microsoft support (only OEM). you can't move oem license to another pc.
 

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Windows 7 pro 64bit. (SP1)Intel core I5 24008GB DDR3 KingstonGigabyte GF GTX650OC
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Self Built PC
OS
Windows 7 pro 64bit. (SP1)
CPU
Intel core I5 2400
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Gigabyte H61
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8GB DDR3 Kingston
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Gigabyte GF GTX650OC
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Realtek HD audio
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LCD 20"
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1600x900
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INTEL SSD 320 80GB +Seagate 7200.12 1TBx3
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Coolermaster RX450W
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stock cooler
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logitech
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logitech
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FTTD 100mbps
essenbe said:
Also, the OEM version is tied to the computer you install it on. The retail version can be installed later on another computer, but only 1 at a time.
Click to expand...
Thanks, I forgot that bit of info....old age.;)
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1Intel i5-2550K, Differing ~4.4-4.8GHz No buil...16GB G.Skill Sniper 1866MHz @ 2133MHz 2x8GBASUS GTX650TIB-DC2OC-2GD5, (650TI Boost)
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Home Built Desktop By DataTech
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1
CPU
Intel i5-2550K, Differing ~4.4-4.8GHz No built in GPU
Motherboard
ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3
Memory
16GB G.Skill Sniper 1866MHz @ 2133MHz 2x8GB
Graphics Card(s)
ASUS GTX650TIB-DC2OC-2GD5, (650TI Boost)
Sound Card
Onboard Realtek 5-1
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung P2570HD
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Samsung 840 Pro 256GB SSD for OS, 500GB Seagate Constellation (Enterprise drive) for Data
PSU
Corsair HX650W
Case
Inwin Dragon Rider
Cooling
Hyper 212 EVO w/two Noctua fans, push-pull, @1300 RPM
Keyboard
E-Z Eyes, bright yellow keys with large characters
Mouse
steelseries SENSEI Laser Pro Gaming
Internet Speed
48-51Mbs Mbs down, 11 Mbs up Xfinity Cable
Antivirus
Norton Internet Security 2013
Browser
IE 10, Opera, Pale Moon if needed
Other Info
4 case fans, LG BluRay-RE, ASUS DVD-RW, Mr. Fusion power supply, 1.21 gigawatts.
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